The ERA approached Insp. Laidman about having a community conversation about safety in the wake of a report of a stranger sexual assault that occurred in High Rock /Cairn Park on September 20th, 2016. A suspect was arrested two days later and now faces charges in relation to the incident.

While stranger-based assaults are rare in both Victoria and Esquimalt, the incident caused concern and raised questions about what can be done to ensure Esquimalt continues to remain a safe and vibrant community.

With an ambitious agenda, the meeting touched on several areas in which residents and police can work together to continue to improve community safety. Part of the evening was spent speaking to specific resources VicPD offers to help, all of which are on our vicpd.ca website.